Spider's Bite: Elemental Assassin, Book 1

They call me the Spider. I'm the most feared assassin in the South -- when I'm not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

Dreadful!

The narrator over-acted and grated on my nerves. Her voice sounded forced and unnatural. I could not get past the first two chapters.

Web of Lies: Elemental Assassin, Book 2

"Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days. Probably real soon. I'm Gin Blanco. You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I'm retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my popular barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren't aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox."

Brilliant, Unique, Interesting with just 1 oddety

To be up-front on the matter, I have read all 5 of the books, this and the following 4 as they are very easy to listen to, follow the story line and i..Show More »nteresting enough from Story line and Characters to be very enjoyable.

A minor flaw in reasoning by the author is the heroin who is a professional assasin but during the run of the 5 books never completes a fully successful hit. All here Enemy's eventually get done in but as a professional top rated Assasin.....ugh.

Yet, this is just a minor issue, even though it may seem no so. The flow of the story is clear, the characters goo and consitent, the evil dudes a bit predicatble but still good. The Narrator is also brilliant, no ams & ahs or other suprflous noises, just the story!

If you want a good read without too many complexeties, this is it! And so are the following 5 Books! Hope there is more!

Venom: Elemental Assassin, Book 3

"It's hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family, which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most."

Getting better....

I'm beginning to like this series much better than I did at first. The writing isn't quite as repetitive as the first two books. I like the love int..Show More »erest Owen so much better than Donavan, especially considering our heroine. I'm waiting to find out what has happened to Sophia, because that sounds like it will be an interesting story. The story keep referring to how Gin is getting stronger with her elemental magic, what I don't understand is why she doesn't work/ practice with it more to hone her skills. I do realize this is not her main means of assassination, that she prefers her "silver stone knives", but consider who she wants to kill, you would think she would perfect all means available to her.

Tangled Threads: Elemental Assassin, Book 4

"I'd rather face a dozen lethal assassins any night than deal with something as tricky, convoluted, and fragile as my feelings. But here I am. Gin Blanco, the semi-retired assassin known as the Spider. Hovering outside sexy businessman Owen Grayson's front door like a nervous teenage girl. One thing I like about Owen: he doesn't shy away from my past - or my present. And right now I have a bulls-eye on my forehead."

So, let's recap... yet again

I think Lauren Fortgang did a great job with some really tough material. Some of her inflections and delivery helped to diversify the complete and to..Show More »tal repetition of every story line in the series to date at least three times in the book. I will not be getting another book by Jennifer Estep, that's for sure.

Spider's Revenge: Elemental Assassin, Book 5

Killing used to be my regular gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spider, assassin-for-hire. And I was very, very good at it. Now, I'm ready to make the one hit that truly matters: Mab Monroe, the dangerous Fire elemental who murdered my family when I was 13. Oh, I don't think the mission will be easy, but turns out it's a bit more problematic than expected. The bitch knows I'm coming for her. So now I'm up against the army of lethal bounty hunters Mab hired to track me down. She also put a price on my baby sister's head. Keeping Bria safe is my first priority.

By a Thread: Elemental Assassin, Book 6

"When killing people is your job, there’s no such thing as a vacation. Then again, how often does an assassin live long enough to enjoy her retirement? In this line of work, you either get lucky or you get dead. And since I destroyed my nemesis, Mab Monroe, a few weeks ago, all of Ashland’s lowlifes are gunning to make a name for themselves by taking out the lethal Spider—me, Gin Blanco."

I hope that there’s no end in sight to this series

After having voraciously devoured all of the previous Elemental Assassin books I was curious and a bit apprehensive to uncover Estep’s “post Mab Monro..Show More »e” game plan. Gin’s quest for vengeance has all but consumed this series’ storyline up until now so I was anxious to see what the pacing of By a Thread would be like without this driving force. And I have to hand it to Jennifer; this installment was just as mesmerizing as its predecessors.

Up until this novel I was willing to give Bria the benefit of the doubt; like Gin, she had a tough start in life. But that’s where the similarities between the two sisters end. After the initial ugliness, Coolidge had a pretty typical upbringing with normal things like friends, a happy childhood and the chance to pick her own path in life. In the early chapters of this book she came across as a female version of Donovan Cain. I seriously wanted to reach into the pages and b*tch slap her. The way Bria handled the introductions between her best friend, Callie, and Gin was awful. I’m still reeling from the insult. She might as well have ripped Blanco’s heart right out of her chest and stomped on it. Her pretty little speech towards the end was a step in the right direction but Bria still has a long way to go in order to earn my forgiveness, let alone Gin’s.

The breakneck action that this series is renowned for was just as riveting as ever but for me, it was the emotional elements that really stood out. Estep demonstrated that not only can she entertain her readers but she can also provide an enriching experience as well. Between her sister’s catty behaviour, Donovan Cain rearing his ugly head and Owen’s jealousy, it’s a wonder that Gin even has the time to kill anyone in this book. I loved the one fingered salute Blanco gives her ex towards the end of the story. This novel is worth reading for this scene alone. Anyone and everyone who’s ever been scorned by a lover will appreciate the karma behind their encounter.

I was impressed with Estep’s ability to breathe new life into her Elemental Assassin mold by switching up the big bad, changing locals and adding new characters into the mix. The backbone that I have loved since day one is still there but change is good and Jennifer does a phenomenal job of revamping her series. As usual, Lauren Fortgang’s narration was flawless and remains a key ingredient in my overall enjoyment of these books.

I sincerely hope that there’s no end in sight to this series because I will keep on reading it for as long as Jennifer Estep keeps on writing it. By a Thread seamlessly blends the old with the new and steers the Elemental Assassin world in a promising new direction.

Widow's Web: Elemental Assassin, Book 7

I used to murder people for money, but lately it’s become more of a survival technique. Once an assassin, always an assassin. So much for being plain old Gin Blanco. With every lowlife in Ashland gunning for me, I don’t need another problem, but a new one has come to town anyway. Salina might seem like a sweet Southern belle, but she’s really a dangerous enemy whose water elemental magic can go head-to-head with my own Ice and Stone power.

Be prepared to be put through the emotional ringer

Jennifer Estep definitely has a knack for creating characters; from her phenomenal heroine, to her lovable sidekicks, to her downright devious villain..Show More »s, I can’t help but be impressed every time I step into her world. That and I simply can not put her books down! Widow’s Web was no different except for the fact that I was mildly scared to turn the pages; not because I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy the story but because I feared for Gin and Owen’s relationship. That’s how involved I am in this series. Their struggles actually take an emotional toll on me. If that’s not the definition of a great author then I don’t know what is!

I find myself oddly fascinated by Estep’s antagonists; even if some of them are only present for one book, the amount of detail and thought that goes into them is simply remarkable. On the surface, Salina Dubois appears to be merely an ex-girlfriend trying to rekindle an old flame. However, as the story progresses it becomes obvious that there’s so much more to her than meets the eye. By the end I was in awe of her cruelty and cunningness; she definitely gives Gin a run for her money (in more ways than one)! I loved the way that Estep gradually widened this character’s scope until the big picture was revealed. Practically every chapter ends on a cliffhanger which had me constantly saying “I’ll just read one more…” and you all know how that goes. Now I’m stuck waiting until March for Deadly Sting. Ooh, the pain!

There’s trouble in paradise between Gin and Owen which honestly, was to be expected. Had their relationship bliss gone on for too many books I would have been disappointed. Yes I love them to death and yes I want them to get their happily ever after but they haven’t been tested nearly enough yet for them to have reached that point. This is Urban Fantasy people, there’s no such thing as easy! Grayson’s attitude was tiresome but understandable; love is blind and this book does a great job of illustrating that. I was impressed with Gin’s level of maturity and patience given the situation, in her shoes I would have turned into a jealous, sniveling mess. I think that Owen will eventually come to his senses and I’m more than willing to wait for that day; I just hope that he doesn’t take too long because he might end up being too little too late.

Finn really proved himself to me in this installment. For the past several books he’s been taking on a more active role in the assassin business and he really brought his A-game this time around. His character has morphed into so much more than just the ladies man that he started out as. Gin asked some very difficult things of him in Widow’s Web and he never hesitated. Not once. Like Blanco, he does what needs to be done regardless of who it pisses off and I love him for it. Especially now after everything that went down between Gin and Owen; it helps to lessen the blow knowing that Finn has her back.

I skipped over my usual go-to review criteria like the plot, pacing and writing because the awesomeness of these elements are a given seeing how this is an Elemental Assassin book but rest assured, they’re just as good this seventh time around. Be prepared to be put through the emotional ringer with Widow’s Web but take heart, Jennifer Estep will make it up to us. I have faith.

Deadly Sting: Elemental Assassin, Book 8

It’s Gin Blanco's party - and you’ll cry if she wants you to. Against her better judgment, Gin is coerced into attending a high-society gala with the rest of Ashland's elite underworld. On display: the priceless art collection of her deceased nemesis, Mab Monroe, and an excess of crime-boss swagger. While not comfortable in her fancy attire, Gin gets vastly more interested in the evening’s events when a group of thieves bursts in and tries to seize the valuable, dangerous gems.

Something Different than the usual Jobs

So i'm not giving anything away, but before the book started i have assumed that its going to be the same thing as usual... She finds someone who is ..Show More » hurting someone, she plans to kill that bad guy, she fales the first time, she heals, then she tries again and kills the bad guy... But noooo ... not in this one.. you have a different place, different plot than usual..

You don't get the usual, and you keep on thinking you know what will happen, but no there are few twists in this book.. some of these twists are predictable and some are not... There are few funny moments here and there, specially in the first few chapters.

Narrator is doing a good job as usual.

I don''t want to give anything away, but lets just say, i would rank this in the top from this series, specially with the change we got from the usual thing... its not completely different than the usual but its new and reminds me of few movies i watched before

Heart of Venom: Elemental Assassin, Book 9

When a terror from the past threatens Gin’s friend and body-disposer, Sophia, Gin will stop at nothing to protect her, even if it means walking straight into a killer’s trap. Meanwhile, the rocky romance between Gin and Owen reaches a turning point - can they reunite and rekindle their love? Or will the things Gin has been forced to do in her line of work as the deadly assassin the Spider keep them apart forever? Assuming, that is, she survives long enough to find out....

Good story, great author, great voice actress

I missed really missed that line Gin says about someone "needed to get dead in a hurry". I don't recall that in this book. But it always makes me laug..Show More »h in the other ones. The voice actress has the perfect accent for the characters in the book. I know many people who have that accent, so it is very believable. And reminds me of people I know. After seeing how choppy and strange a great audio book series becomes when the author suddenly decides to switches narrators, I'd definitely quit reading this if Lauren Fortgang wasn't reading it anymore. To date I've quit buying two series because I couldn't stand the switch.

The Spider: Elemental Assassin, Book 10

For the first time, the full origin story of Gin Blanco's transformation into the fearsome assassin known as the Spider - book 10 in the red-hot Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series. In a prequel tale, Gin Blanco goes through her paces on the way to become the most feared assassin in the Ashland. Her mentor, Fletcher Lane, is not going to go easy on her - if she’s going to become a fearsome killer, she has to learn to use her elemental Stone and Ice powers alongside old-fashioned human street smarts.

How bogus

I just got this book and it is nothing but a repeat of all her other books,I could have sat down and done this.WHY no NEW story? Not worth the money I..Show More » paid it is so repetitive.

Poison Promise: Elemental Assassin, Book 11

Gin Blanco is hard-nosed, sexy, and lethal. Nicknamed "The Spider," she's a stone elemental assassin who brings her unique mix of magic and tact to every assignment, no matter the target. There's a new drug on the streets of Ashland, and its name "Burn" sums up the potent effect it has on its users. When one of her restaurant employees is threatened by dealers of the drug, Gin steps in to set things straight…

Black Widow: Elemental Assassin, Book 12

There’s nothing worse than a cruel, cunning enemy with time to kill - and my murder to plan. With wicked Fire elemental Mab Monroe long gone, you’d think I could finally catch a break. But someone’s always trying to take me down, either as Gin Blanco or my assassin alter-ago. Now along comes the Spider’s new arch-nemesis, the mysteriously named M. M. Monroe, who is gleefully working overtime to trap me in a sticky web of deceit.

First Thoughts when Finished: Black Widow by Jennifer Estep was another strong entry in Elemental Assassins series. The characters are still as bad*ss as ever. Also, I really dug the different way that this all "played" out in the end. MM was not my favorite villain in the series but I think she maybe was the craftiest. I was just happy that it appears Bria is finally ok with her sister (let's hope cause if not I am taking Finn back).

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang /Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins

Once a series goes into automatic listen (which this is for me) I sound a bit like a broken record. However, let me state this again: Lauren nails Gin and Gang with the sass, brass, and southern of a narrator who just might really be an elemental assassin! She is that convincing :) So just listen to it already!

Spider's Trap

One important lesson I've learned in the assassination business is that to be the best, you have to roll with the punches. Now that I'm queen of Ashland's underworld - by default, not by choice - a lot more punches are being thrown my way. But I suppose that's the price of victory for taking down some of the underworld's top dogs. Good thing I have my Ice and Stone magic to help me survive my volatile new position.

It's like reading a scripted template.

No. I feel like listening the exact same story, over and over. Like a scripted episode in a never ending story. Like "Perry Rhodan" or "Service de sur..Show More »veillance des planètes primitives" (french, can't find the english version)

Bitter Bite: Elemental Assassin, Book 14

It's not easy being queen bee of an underworld abuzz with crooks and killers. Wielding my potent Ice and Stone elemental magic will get me only so far - my real secret is my tight-knit makeshift family, a motley crew of cops and criminals, dwarves, and playboys. My foster brother, Finnegan Lane, is my right-hand man, but when his suddenly not-dead relative comes back into the picture, I'm the one on the outside looking in.

Everything is all my fault!

So tired of her self-flagellation. It's all my fault that so and so died, so and so is in danger, so and so is ... whatever. Stop already. Let the b..Show More »ad guys take the blame for being bad guys and stop making me listen to how Gin Blanco thinks she's at fault for people hurting her friends and family. It sends the message that people are responsible for the action of others - they are not.

I enjoy the series but this one thing, this one point, makes me grind my teeth and yanks me right out of the world of the story.

I would love to see the fierce Gin Blanco, the Spider, tell people that they are responsible for their own actions and not those of others.

Unraveled

As the current queen of the Ashland underworld, you would think that I, Gin Blanco, would know all about some secret society controlling things from behind the scenes. I might be the Spider, the city's most fearsome assassin, but all my Ice and Stone elemental magic hasn't done me a lick of good in learning more about the Circle. Despite my continued investigations, the trail's gone as cold as the coming winter.

Great Story Line

To all of us Spider fans this book does not disappoint. Lauren Fortgang does an excellent job of voice differentiating and story telling. Jennife..Show More »r Estep once again expands the story breathing even more lfe into the storyline. Personally I started this series on kindle and also have the complete set in Audible, it is that good. In fact if you are starting this series go back to book #1 Spiders Bite. the book does stand by itself, but I would recommend to start at the beginning.

Nice Guys Bite

Working for Gin Blanco (aka the Spider, the assassin who runs the Ashland underworld) doesn't leave much time for romance, especially with Gin's holiday party planning in full swing. But when he catches the eye of a charming gentleman, Silvio finds himself going out for coffee. All's fair in love and war, though. Just as Silvio is starting to enjoy himself, he realizes he's being watched.

Disappointed

I love the Elemental Assassin series but this is Not up to the series standards. The final insult is Sophia's dialogue is completely out of character,..Show More » ruined it for me. Do not buy this book!

Snared

Another week, another few clues trickling in about the Circle, the mysterious group that supposedly runs the city's underworld. Gathering intel on my hidden enemies is a painstaking process, but a more immediate mystery has popped up on my radar: a missing girl. My search for the girl begins on the mean streets of Ashland, but with all the killers and crooks in this city, I'm not holding out much hope that she's still alive.

Gin is off her game this time but still fun

As always, Gin's never ending battle against evil in Ashland completely dominated everything.

Usually I can overlook some of her mistakes a..Show More »s just the luck of the draw, but the initial scene at the den window played like slapstick instead of a skilled assassin lurking for information. And when she later stepped on a creaking board in a hall she had been down before while trying to catch an intruder, all I could do was roll my eyes. At this point it was obvious that the author was manipulating the action to fit her needs. Now, I realize that this is something all authors must do, but Estes is generally more skilled and less obvious at the ploy.

I also figured out a number of the mysteries fairly early in the story and kept waiting for Him to catch up and poverty me right. For once, I was exactly right. The clues were a bit too obvious this time.

Still, I enjoyed the story and it did a good job of advancing the overarching plot line as well as bringing Gin some new and valuable allies. I will continue to purchase and read this series. And if the author continues to drop references to her Bigtime series, I may even break down and read one of those.